Delta State Govt affirms IDU Youth Wing as a Legitimate Youth Body in Isoko

Delta State Govt affirms IDU Youth Wing as a Legitimate Youth Body in Isoko

The Government of Delta State, today gave its support to the leadership and members of the Isoko Development Union Youth Wing (IDU-YW) as a government recognized youth body in Isoko and Delta State. The affirmation was made during the meeting between the State government and the leadership of the Isoko apex Socio-cultural body, the Isoko Development (IDU), its youth wing and the leadership and members of the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA).

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Barr. Edwin Uzor who led the delegation of the government had at the beginning of the meeting cited a petition written by the leadership of INYA through its lawyers as the reason for the meeting. The petition was however read to the hearing of all present at the meeting. Part of the issues raised by the petitioners include;

1.    That the government forcefully compel IDU to accord INYA recognition and status of the only youth body in Isoko

2.    That the constitution of the IDU was not properly followed in the way and manner INYA was removed from its fold.

3.    That the IDU lack the powers to form a youth body for itself.

4.    That the IDU lack powers to make pronouncements on INYA as according to them, INYA was autonomous of IDU and that both groups could conveniently rub shoulders.  

5.    That the IDU MUST henceforth recognize the present executives of INYA as legitimate irrespective of how they emerged.

Speaking briefly after the IDU representative, Chief Dan Odhomo responded to the allegations leveled against the IDU, the representative of INYA Chief Amos Ogbokor described the actions of the IDU as shameful”. This statement seriously angered Chief uzor and he immediately ordered Ogbokor to withdraw the insult directed at IDU leadership with an apology. What we saw in the meeting was INYA and its appendages speaking to government that IDU lacked the powers to speak on issues of Isoko concern. There was also a free display of hooliganism to the extent that Chief Uzor threatened to walk two of their members out of the meeting.

 

Delivering the verdict of the government Chief Uzor held that the formation of the IDU-YW was in order. He stressed that the IDU as a group has the right to form a youth group for itself. He also stated that the IDU has a right to remove INYA from its constitution and disassociate itself from the body if they so deem. He said a father has the right to disown an unruly son, and that if the entire Isoko people agree on an issue in its conference, that the Prof. Chris Akpotu-led executives committed no offence by implementing the decision. 

While citing the example of the PDP National Convention that removed Ali Modu Sheriff from office through proclamation, Uzor said decisions taken and duly signed in the general conference or convention of any group is binding. Before Uzor could proceed further, Mr. Morista Idibra screamed that the matter between IDU and INYA was in court and as such the government lacked the powers to make a pronouncement. This, was equally rebuffed by Chief Uzor who insisted that the task given to him by the Government must be concluded, and that whoever that those who doesn’t want him to proceed with the announcement of the position of government were free to leave the meeting. 

He called on the IDU to look for a way to accommodate INYA in its fold, advising the handlers of INYA to immediately withdraw all cases it instituted against IDU in various courts. The meeting ended with a group photograph of attendees without the INYA group who left in anger even before the closing prayers were said.